Frequently Asked Questions

Psychologists are experts in the areas of human behavior, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They use comprehensive evidence based and ethical treatment standards to help clients change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists adhere to a strict code of professional ethics, are vigilant regarding patient confidentiality, and make every effort to render the highest quality of care to their clients. A psychologist is a doctoral-level, licensed mental health clinician. Only a psychologist and psychiatrist are licensed at the doctoral level.

Compared to other mental health providers, a psychologist holds the highest level of education and training available. After earning a Bachelor’s degree, the training psychologist enters a vigorous doctoral program for an average of seven years. Before earning their degree, they complete years of supervised clinical rotations and internships, a year of pre-doctoral internship plus at least one year of post-doctoral residency before they are eligible to take the licensure exam and practice independently. It’s this combination of education and clinical experience that distinguishes psychologists from many other mental health care providers.

Licensure laws are intended to protect the public by limiting licensure to those persons qualified to practice psychology as defined by law. The state of Florida permits basically five types of mental health clinicians to become licensed and provide services to the public – only a psychologist and psychiatrist are licensed at the doctoral level. In some cases, you may find a practitioner who holds a Ph.D. and uses the prefix “Dr.” but holds a master’s level license.

Psychologist(Psy.D./Ph.D.): A therapist with a doctoral-level degree and vigorous training. They are experts in the areas of human behavior, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They employ empirically validated interventions to help patients change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): A therapist with a Masters or Doctoral Degree in family/marital counseling and specializes in serving persons involved in interpersonal relationships.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): A counselor with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and has received training in counseling and psychotherapy techniques.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): A counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and is trained in some forms of counseling and psychotherapies.

Non-licensed counselors:

Life Coach: Life coaching is a practice that helps people identify and achieve personal goals. At this time, Life Coaching is not a regulated practice meaning there are no education and training requirements or oversight by any licensure board.

Psychologists are commonly confused with psychiatrists. A psychiatrist is medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists are trained in medicine, hold an M.D. or D.O. degree and they write prescriptions and often engage in medication management. Psychiatrists and Psychologists often work together when helping clients.

Dr. Nicolle is a Psychologist.

Please call Dr. Nicolle for rates at 954-804-5144.

Dr. Nicolle does not participate in any insurance plans and as such cannot accept your insurance for payment. She is able to share an itemized invoice with details needed (including necessary diagnostic codes and codes for services rendered) to seek reimbursement from your insurance plan. If you have any questions, she is happy to speak with you further.

Cash, check, and all major credit cards accepted.

Sessions must be cancelled 24 hours in advance or are subject to the full fee for the time scheduled.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request, or at the time of scheduling health care items and services to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.